Top 5 Performances at the MTV VMAs

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Though MTV isn’t known for its showing of many music videos these days, it still hosts one of the biggest and most talked about nights in music: the MTV VMAs. This year didn’t disappoint as the biggest names in music came together to perform, accept awards and cause a few wardrobe malfunctions.

Following a slew of over-the-top, high energy performances, Sam Smith took the stage to perform his summer hit “Stay With Me” and it did not disappoint. The audience was stunned by Smith’s smooth and flawless voice. It seemed to be one of the only performances that wasn’t overrun with pyro, light shows and a slew of half-naked backup dancers.

Taylor Swift “Shake It Off”

Days after announcing the release of her next studio pop album, 1989, Taylor Swift performed her catchy pop single “Shake It Off” with a slew of tuxedo-clad backup dancers and a giant “1989” as a prop. One of the chuckle worthy moments included her having to jump off the giant prop, refusing to do so and walking the long way while saying people must be crazy to think she would jump with people “getting bit by snakes.” Days prior, one of Nicki Minaj’s backup dancers was bit by a snake they had planned to use for their performance.

Beyoncé Medley

Before accepting the Video Vanguard Award at the show, Beyoncé showed why she’s called the queen with a 15-minute medley of her top hits. She performed 16 songs including “Drunk In Love,” “Partition” and “Pretty Hurts.”

Ariana Grande kicked off the show with a thrilling performance of “Break Free” before Nicki Minaj stormed the stage in a green, sequined body suit to perform her Sir Mix-a-Lot inspired hit “Anaconda.” But, the real talk began when the three powerhouses teamed up for “Bang Bang,” one of the big songs of summer. Of course, the real spotlight moment was Minaj’s obvious wardrobe malfunction as she walked out holding her dress together in the chest area and covering her lower half with a hand while she rapped.

Maroon 5 “Maps”

The stage at The Forum was too small for Adam Levine and his band Maroon 5 who took their performance of “Maps” outside to a giant Maroon 5-themed stage. Complete with pyro, thousands in the crowd and Levine clad in leather, the performance marked one of the best for the night.